WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Safe and comfortable wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the mouth and often make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. They are large teeth with unpredictable roots that can grow toward the roots of other teeth or facial nerves. Many dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth removed early before complications can arise.
The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, so it can be problematic when an additional set of molars tries to squeeze in. Third molars can grow at an angle toward other teeth or become trapped beneath the gum tissue. When this occurs, an oral surgeon must extract the impacted tooth.
7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists performs safe and comfortable wisdom tooth extractions at all of our San Francisco, CA, offices. If it’s time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth removed, or for an oral examination, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Why should I go to an oral surgeon for wisdom tooth removal?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo many years of additional training after completing dental school. During this time, they gain hands-on experience treating a variety of patients in a surgical setting. All oral surgeons receive training on the safe administration of anesthesia and sedation. Other than an anesthesiologist, oral surgeons are the only healthcare providers qualified to administer anesthesia outside of a hospital.
In addition to administering anesthesia, oral surgeons are well-versed in all facets of dentistry and treating the head, neck, mouth, and face. They routinely perform simple extractions and minor procedures as well as complex reconstructive procedures like jaw surgery or treatment for facial trauma. When your general dentist detects your wisdom teeth in an X-ray, he or she will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed.
Why have wisdom teeth removed?
Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing discomfort, you should still have them removed. They can push other teeth out of alignment or damage their roots and nearby nerves. An impacted tooth is one that became stuck while trying to erupt through the gum. An impacted tooth is difficult to clean around, which can lead to infection or the formation of cysts and tumors.
A tooth infection can lead to tooth decay or even periodontal disease, a type of gum disease. This can spread to other teeth and surrounding tissue, causing tooth loss and poorly affecting your overall health. Having wisdom teeth extracted prevents these issues and more from ever having the chance to arise.
Find us in San Francisco, CA
We have three convenient practice locations to serve you in San Francisco, CA—choose from our West Portal office (on W. Portal Avenue), our Stonestown office (on Buckingham Way), or our Van Ness office (on Daniel Burnham Court).